Abstract
Abstract. Satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data have proven effective and valuable in the analysis of urban subsidence phenomena based on multi-temporal radar images. Results obtained by processing data acquired by different radar sensors, have shown the potential of InSAR and highlighted the key points for an operational use of this technology, namely: (1) regular acquisition over large areas of interferometric data stacks; (2) use of advanced processing algorithms, capable of estimating and removing atmospheric disturbances; (3) access to significant processing power for a regular update of the information over large areas. In this paper, we show how the operational potential of InSAR has been realized thanks to the recent advances in InSAR processing algorithms, the advent of cloud computing and the launch of new satellite platforms, specifically designed for InSAR analyses (e.g. Sentinel-1a operated by the ESA and ALOS2 operated by JAXA). The processing of thousands of SAR scenes to cover an entire nation has been performed successfully in Italy in a project financed by the Italian Ministry of the Environment. The challenge for the future is to pass from the historical analysis of SAR scenes already acquired in digital archives to a near real-time monitoring program where up to date deformation data are routinely provided to final users and decision makers.
Highlights
Results from satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) make it a unique instrument for ground displacement analysis, which contributes to the portfolio of technologies of traditional monitoring techniques and can be used in many diverse applications (Ferretti, 2014)
The first results date back to the 1980’s (Gabriel et al, 1989), InSAR is often seen as a “new technology” for surface deformation monitoring and the full potential of InSAR is largely under-recognized, even within the scientific community. The reasons behind this slow uptake are numerous and complex (Ferretti, 2014). It will be shown how most of the challenges related to an operational use of InSAR data have been overcome and why this technology can become a standard tool for studying subsidence and other geological processes
But not least, InSAR data can be updated regularly, as more SAR images are acquired by satellite sensors, and can provide new ways to design early warning systems covering entire nations
Summary
Results from satellite InSAR make it a unique instrument for ground displacement analysis, which contributes to the portfolio of technologies of traditional monitoring techniques and can be used in many diverse applications (Ferretti, 2014). The first results date back to the 1980’s (Gabriel et al, 1989), InSAR is often seen as a “new technology” for surface deformation monitoring and the full potential of InSAR is largely under-recognized, even within the scientific community. The reasons behind this slow uptake are numerous and complex (Ferretti, 2014). It will be shown how most of the challenges related to an operational use of InSAR data (e.g. monitoring urban subsidence) have been overcome and why this technology can become a standard tool for studying subsidence and other geological processes
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